maintenance Ram 3500 2017 Diesel Supplement

3. Push and release theRIGHTarrow button to access
the ”Fuel Filter Life” screen.
4. Push and release the appropriate arrow button to access the “Reset” screen.
5. Push and release the appropriate arrow to select the reset of the Fuel Filter Life.
6. Push and release the UP
arrow button to exit the
Instrument Cluster Display screen.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you start
the vehicle, the Fuel Filter indicator system did not reset. If
necessary, repeat this procedure.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
The Cummins diesel engine meets all diesel emissions
standards, resulting in one of the lowest emitting diesel
engines ever produced. To achieve these emissions stan-
dards, your vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art
engine and exhaust system. These systems are seamlessly
integrated into your vehicle and managed by the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM manages engine
combustion to allow the exhaust system’s catalyst to trap
and burn Particulate Matter (PM) pollutants, with no input
or interaction on your part.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be grass
or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust sys-
tem. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas where
your exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
Your vehicle has the ability to alert you to additional
maintenance required on your vehicle or engine. The
following messages may display in your Instrument Clus-
ter Display:
• Perform Service — Your vehicle will require emissions
maintenance at a set interval. To help remind you when
this maintenance is due, the Instrument Cluster Display
will display “Perform Service”. When the “Perform
Service” message is displayed in the Instrument Cluster
Display it is necessary to have the emissions mainte-
nance performed. Emissions maintenance may include
replacing the Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter
element. The procedure for clearing and resetting the
Perform Service indicator message is located in the
appropriate Service Information.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 113

Keyless Enter-N-Go Starting Procedure — Engine
Manifold Air Temperature 0° F To 66° F (–18° C to
19° C)
NOTE:The temperature displayed in the instrument clus-
ter does not necessarily reflect the engine manifold air
temperature. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. When engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)
the “Wait To Start Light” will remain on indicating the
intake manifold heater system is active.
Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” procedure
except:
1. Pushing the engine start button with the driver ’s foot on the brake will move the ignition from OFF or ACC to
RUN, and will illuminate the Wait To Starttelltale. The
engine will not immediately crank, this is normal op-
eration.
2. The “Wait To Start telltale will remain on for a period of
time that varies depending on the engine temperature. 3. While the
Wait to Start telltale is on, the instrument
cluster will additionally display a gauge or bar whose
initial length represents the full Wait to Starttime
period. Its length will decrease until it disappears when
the Wait to Start time has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
4. After the engine “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, the engine will automatically crank.
CAUTION!
The engine may automatically crank when the “Wait
To Start” time has elapsed. To abort the automatic
starting process, ensure the driver ’s foot is fully re-
moved from the brake pedal prior to pushing the
START/STOP button to cycle the ignition off.
124 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Above 66° F (19° C)
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
1. Always apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into PARK for an automatic transmission.For vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, fully
press and hold the clutch pedal and shift into NEU-
TRAL.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and watch the instrument panel cluster lights.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START the engine before you drain the water
from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
crank the engine. Do not press the accelerator during
starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a time
or starter motor damage may result. Turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position and wait at least two
minutes for the starter to cool before repeating start
procedure.
5. When the engine starts, release the key fob.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature 0°F To 66°F (–18°C to 19°C)
NOTE: The temperature displayed in the instrument clus-
ter does not necessarily reflect the engine manifold air
temperature. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. When engine temperatures fall below 66°F (19°C)
the “Wait To Start Light” will remain on indicating the
intake manifold heater system is active.
126 STARTING AND OPERATING

Follow the steps in the “Normal Starting” procedure
except:
1. The “Wait To Start” telltale will remain on for a period oftime that varies depending on the engine temperature.
2. While the Wait To Start” telltale is on, the instrument
cluster will additionally display a gauge or bar whose
initial length represents the full Wait To Starttime
period. Its length will decrease until it disappears when
the Wait To Start time has elapsed.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
3. After the “Wait To Start” telltale goes off, turn the ignition switch to the START position. Do not press the
accelerator during starting.
CAUTION!
Do not crank engine for more than 15 seconds at a time
or starter motor damage may result. Turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position and wait at least two
minutes for the starter to cool before repeating start
procedure.
4. After engine start-up, check that the oil pressure warn- ing light has turned off.
5. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes until the manifold heaters have completed the post-heat cycle.
6. Release the parking brake and drive.
NOTE:
• Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1,000 RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbo-
charger at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
• Automatic equipped vehicles with optional Keyless
Enter-N-Go – If the start button is pushed once while in
park with the ignition off and driver ’s foot on the brake
pedal, the vehicle will automatically crank and start
after the Wait to Start time has elapsed. If it is desired to
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 127

NOTE:
•Engine idle speed will automatically increase to
1,000 RPM and engage the Variable Geometry Turbo-
charger at low coolant temperatures to improve engine
warm-up.
• When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of fuel or the
fuel gels at low temperatures, air is pulled into the fuel
system. If your engine has run out of fuel, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has
Run Out Of Fuel” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
• If the engine stalls, or if the ignition switch is left ON for
more than two minutes after the “Wait To Start” telltale
goes out, reset the grid heaters by turning the ignition
switch to the OFF position for at least five seconds and
then back ON. Repeat steps 1 through 5 of “Starting
Procedure – Engine Manifold Air Temperature Below
66°F (19°C).”Starting Fluids
WARNING!
Starting fluids or flammable liquids must never be
used in the Cummins diesel engine (see Warning
label). Never pour diesel fuel, flammable liquid, start-
ing fluids (ether) into the air cleaner canister, air intake
piping, or turbocharger inlet in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in a flash fire and explosion
causing serious personal injury and engine damage.
The engine is equipped with an automatic electric air
preheating system. If the instructions in this manual are
followed, the engine should start in all conditions.
WARNING!
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in the “OFF” mode, remove
the key fob from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 129

NOTE:
•Use of Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel or
Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel results in a
noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
• Climatized Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel is a blend of
Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur and Number 1 Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Fuels which reduces the temperature at
which wax crystals form in fuel.
• The fuel grade should be clearly marked on the pump at
the fuel station.
• The engine requires the use of “Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel
Fuel”. Use of incorrect fuel could result in engine and
exhaust system damage. Refer to “Fuel Requirements”
in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
• If climatized or diesel Number 1 ULSD fuel is not
available, and you are operating below (20°F/-6°C), in
sustained arctic conditions, Mopar Premium Diesel Fuel
Treatment (or equivalent) is recommended to avoid
gelling (see Fuel Operating Range Chart).
Engine Oil Usage
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for the correct engine oil viscosity.
Winter Front Cover Usage
A winter front or cold weather cover is to be used in
ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C), especially during
extended idle conditions. This cover is equipped with four
flaps for managing total grille opening in varying ambient
temperatures. If a winter front or cold weather cover is to
be used the flaps should be left in the full open position to
allow air flow to the charge air cooler and automatic
transmission oil cooler. When ambient temperatures drop
below 0°F (-17°C) the four flaps need to be closed. A
suitable cold weather cover is available from your MOPAR
dealer.
Battery Blanket Usage
A battery loses 60% of its cranking power as the battery
temperature decreases to 0°F (-18°C). For the same de-
crease in temperature, the engine requires twice as much
power to crank at the same RPM. The use of 120 VAC
powered battery blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures. Suitable battery blankets
are available from your authorized MOPAR dealer.
132 STARTING AND OPERATING

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in
your vehicle. Federal law requires that you must fuel this
vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15
ppm Sulfur maximum) and prohibits the use of Low Sulfur
Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum) to avoid
damage to the emissions control system.
For most year-round service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting
ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for Test-
ing and Materials) specification D-975 Grade S15 will
provide good performance. If the vehicle is exposed to
extreme cold (below 20°F or -7°C), or is required to operate
at colder-than-normal conditions for prolonged periods,
use climatized No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel
fuel with 50% No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better
protection from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel
filters.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending agent.
They can be unstable under certain conditions and
hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel fuel.Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To prevent
fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated water from the
fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator drain
provided on both fuel filters. If you buy good quality fuel
and follow the cold weather advice above, fuel condition-
ers should not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer
improved cold-starting and warm-up performance.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filter(s) to avoid engine damage. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water Sepa-
rator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Fuel Specifications
The Cummins diesel engine has been developed to take
advantage of the high energy content and generally lower
cost No. 2 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or No. 2 Ultra Low
Sulfur climatized diesel fuels. Experience has shown that it
also operates on No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuels or
other fuels within specification.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 157

•Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a “clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened.
• Make sure that the fuel filler cap is tightened each time
the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is on a truck bed. You could be burned.
Always place fuel containers on the ground while
filling.
Fuel Filler Cap
If the fuel filler cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control system
could result from using an improper fuel tank filler
tube cap. A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into
the fuel system.
WARNING!
• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel filler cap is removed or the
tank filled.
• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel
Fuel that is contaminated by water or dirt can cause severe
damage to the engine fuel system. Proper maintenance of
the engine fuel filter and fuel tank is essential. Refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel
If you store quantities of fuel, good maintenance of the
stored fuel is also essential. Fuel contaminated with water
will promote the growth of “microbes.” These microbes
form “slime” that will clog the fuel filtration system and
lines. Drain condensation from the supply tank and change
the line filter on a regular basis.
NOTE: When a diesel engine is allowed to run out of fuel,
air is pulled into the fuel system.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 163

If the vehicle will not start, refer to “Maintenance
Procedures/Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is considered a very stable
product with a long shelf life. If DEF is kept in tempera-
tures between 10° and 90°F (-12° and 32°C), it will last a
minimum of one year.
DEF is subject to freezing at the lowest temperatures.
For example, DEF may freeze at temperatures at or below
12° F (-11° C). The system has been designed to operate in
this environment.
NOTE:When working with DEF, it is important to know
that:
• Any containers or parts that come into contact with DEF
must be DEF compatible (plastic or stainless steel). Copper, brass, aluminum, iron or non-stainless steel
should be avoided as they are subject to corrosion by
DEF.
• If DEF is spilled, it should be wiped up completely.
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid
The DEF gauge (located on the instrument cluster) will
display the level of DEF remaining in the tank. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster” and “Instrument Cluster Descrip-
tions” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information.
NOTE:
•Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed, load, etc.)
will effect the amount of DEF that is used in your
vehicle.
• Another factor is that outside temperature can affect
DEF consumption. In cold conditions, 12° F (-11° C) and
below, the DEF gauge needle can stay on a fixed position
and may not move for extended periods of time. This is
a normal function of the system.
164 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED 68RFE (2500/3500 Models) .........174
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 6.7L DIESEL —
SIX-SPEED AS69RC HD (3500/CHASSIS CAB
MODELS) ............................ .175
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .............176
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .176
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................180
▫ Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ........184
▫ Engine Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement ......185
▫ Underbody Mounted Fuel Filter Replacement . . .186
▫ Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel . . .188
▫ Intervention Regeneration Strategy — Message
Process Flow ......................... .189
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid .....................190 ▫
Maintenance-Free Batteries ................190
▫ Cooling System ....................... .191
▫ Charge Air Cooler — Inter-Cooler ...........195
▫ Brake System ........................ .195
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System .................196
▫ Transfer Case — If Equipped ..............197
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .........197
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .......197
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty ........................... .200
 FLUID CAPACITIES ..................... .204
 FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS . .205
▫ Engine ............................. .205
▫ Chassis ............................ .207
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